Truro teenager headed to the Big Apple to compete in talent contest

Truro Daily News

Published: Oct 02, 2014 at midnight

Updated: Sep 30, 2017 at 8:05 a.m.

Truro’s Joey Blenkhorn won the New Brunswick Ex 2014 Young Talent Search for her age group last month. The organizers took special notice of Blenkhorn and now she will compete in a singing contest in New York. Monique Chiasson – Truro Daily News

Joey Blenkhorn’s mom Melissa is one of the teenager’s biggest fans. Melissa is proud of her daughter’s talent and will accompany her to an upcoming trip to New York for a singing competition. Monique Chiasson – Truro Daily News

Joey Blenkhorn, 13, has been singing since a young age. The teenager from Truro is thrilled to be participating in a New York competition next week. Monique Chiasson – Truro Daily News

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Joey Blenkhorn won the Little Miss Ex at the Bible Hill exhibition when she was three years old. The youngster sang I’m A Little Teapot. Submitted photo

TRURO – Joey Blenkhorn’s upcoming performance trip to New York can be traced all the way back to her Little Miss Ex win as a child.

The 13-year-old Truro resident says singing has been a major part of her life ever since she can remember.

“When I was three years old I was in the Little Miss Ex competition and I won,” said Joey, recalling the moment she got on stage to sing I’m A Little Teapot. “I wasn’t nervous at all. I won a crown, cape, flowers and ride tickets.”

Since then, Joey has been “singing in the shower and everywhere else” and people have taken notice.

Over the years, Joey has competed in the Bible Hill Ex (won it), Maritime Idol (came 10th out of more than 1,000 people), Subway Café (won it), and the New Brunswick Ex 2014 Young Talent Search (won in her age group) in September.

For winning the N.B. Ex competition by singing the song Not About Angels by Birdy, Joey received $500.

The N.B. Ex organizers also saw Joey on Maritime Idol and suggested she enter the New York Dream Night Talent Search.

“I’m so excited. I think I’ll get more nervous when it comes … and it’s my first time out of Canada,” Joey said of her audition in New York next Thursday.

Joey believes there could be upwards of 50 competitors, which will then be cut down to 20 and then a winner.

Joey’s optimistic about her chances.

“I think I stand out good on stage. I like singing with emotion and using all the stage. I’ve been told by (other) judges I stand out … that I have a deep and high voice at the same time,” she said.

The teenager hasn’t yet chosen her songs for the competition, but she traditionally sings pop and country.

Joey’s mother, Melissa, will accompany her daughter on the trip.

“It’s terrifying … but I’m very proud of her. She’s amazing and talented and has a kind heart,” said Melissa. “She got invited so it means she has a shot.”

A win in New York would earn Joey a six-song EP, her songs produced in a studio with professionals, $1,000 and a video on MTV or CMT and an appearance on VEVO.

Regardless what happens in New York, Joey has her sights set on music as a career.

“I would much rather (win) but if not, there are other competitions I’d go in. I would do Maritime Idol again,” she said, adding, “I’m pretty unique. I don’t know as many people who’ve gotten as many opportunities as I have. I want to be a professional singer one way or another but I don’t think I’ll be famous.”

Melissa believes the New York experience will benefit her daughter either way.

“More people will see her and doors are going to open.”

Joey’s advice to others trying to make it in the music world?

“Just try it. I just started with small things and it just got bigger.”

The 13-year-old Truro resident says singing has been a major part of her life ever since she can remember.

“When I was three years old I was in the Little Miss Ex competition and I won,” said Joey, recalling the moment she got on stage to sing I’m A Little Teapot. “I wasn’t nervous at all. I won a crown, cape, flowers and ride tickets.”

Since then, Joey has been “singing in the shower and everywhere else” and people have taken notice.

Over the years, Joey has competed in the Bible Hill Ex (won it), Maritime Idol (came 10th out of more than 1,000 people), Subway Café (won it), and the New Brunswick Ex 2014 Young Talent Search (won in her age group) in September.

For winning the N.B. Ex competition by singing the song Not About Angels by Birdy, Joey received $500.

The N.B. Ex organizers also saw Joey on Maritime Idol and suggested she enter the New York Dream Night Talent Search.

“I’m so excited. I think I’ll get more nervous when it comes … and it’s my first time out of Canada,” Joey said of her audition in New York next Thursday.

Joey believes there could be upwards of 50 competitors, which will then be cut down to 20 and then a winner.

Joey’s optimistic about her chances.

“I think I stand out good on stage. I like singing with emotion and using all the stage. I’ve been told by (other) judges I stand out … that I have a deep and high voice at the same time,” she said.

The teenager hasn’t yet chosen her songs for the competition, but she traditionally sings pop and country.

Joey’s mother, Melissa, will accompany her daughter on the trip.

“It’s terrifying … but I’m very proud of her. She’s amazing and talented and has a kind heart,” said Melissa. “She got invited so it means she has a shot.”

A win in New York would earn Joey a six-song EP, her songs produced in a studio with professionals, $1,000 and a video on MTV or CMT and an appearance on VEVO.

Regardless what happens in New York, Joey has her sights set on music as a career.

“I would much rather (win) but if not, there are other competitions I’d go in. I would do Maritime Idol again,” she said, adding, “I’m pretty unique. I don’t know as many people who’ve gotten as many opportunities as I have. I want to be a professional singer one way or another but I don’t think I’ll be famous.”

Melissa believes the New York experience will benefit her daughter either way.

“More people will see her and doors are going to open.”

Joey’s advice to others trying to make it in the music world?

“Just try it. I just started with small things and it just got bigger.”